Question: I am curious if you know whether special shoeing for specific disciplines is done here in New Zealand. I have recently had a friend and fellow dressage rider out from England, and she expressed surprise that my farrier was an ‘all-round’ farrier, so to speak, because she uses a farrier who specialises in shoeing …
horseshoeing photo
Here's a shoeing photo taken a couple of years ago Image courtesy of Antonia Steeg
Should I take the shoes off my horse over winter? Q&A
Question: Do horses need to have their shoes removed when they are turned out over winter? Last season I thought I was doing my part-TB a favour taking his shoes off, but he was really crippled and unhappy hobbling around the paddock, let alone on the stoney driveway when I bought him in for his …
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farrier – farrier relations
Farriers are generally a friendly bunch. Much gets written (and quite rightly so) about farrier-vet relations. Having open communcation and a mutual respect between vets and farriers can make a huge difference to the ongoing treatment and welfare of horses. If the vet and farrier are on the same page when it comes to the …
Sprung shoe when riding question
My horse sprung a shoe while I was riding him a few days ago and one of the nails went right into the sole of his foot. Fortunately, the farrier happened to be visiting my neighbour and so he was able to remove the shoe. But I'd like to know, if this happens again, should …
Mango Butter Sunshade
Today was a scorcher here in Christchurch. This stuff is great for horses and people for protection from the sun. Savvy Touch Mango Butter Sunshade is SPF30 and proudly made in New Zealand. Ingredients include calendular oil, active manuka honey and mango butter naturally. It applies to the skin beautifully and the pump bottle makes …
Donkey trimming question
Question: I know you mainly deal with horses, but I wonder if you could give me a basic outline of the care of donkey feet? We have inherited a pair of donkeys, and by the look of them their feet have been neglected for some time. Can any farrier deal with donkey feet or do …
Worlds Best Hoof Oil
Worlds Best Hoof Oil I'm pleased to announce we're now approved distributor of Worlds Best Hoof Oil in New Zealand for the South Island. Worlds Best Hoof Oil is made in Australia Ingredients: Neatsfoot Wood/Stockholm Tar Saligari Oil Silicone Eucalyptus Oil Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1 litre, 4 litre …
How should a new farrier know what to charge?
It's an exciting time setting up a farrier business. Usually having just finished a period of training, we're eager to get going, to show the horse world what we've got and in many cases prove that we're better than the other guys. It's a natural feeling at the start and sometimes one that doesn't wane …
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Jim Blurton barshoes
I recommend the Jim Blurton range of barshoes Egg bar shoes - for navicular and support Heart bar shoes - useful in the treatment of laminitis Straight bar shoes - for stabilising the hoof capsule These barshoes are excellent - well pitched nail holes, countersunk for stud holes and relatively easy to fit. They're how …
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